Born: Prince George, British Columbia
Trained: Canada’s National Ballet School and John Cranko School in Stuttgart, Germany
Could you tell us 3 random things we don’t know about you?
I have been to 33 countries.
I like to paint.
I was valedictorian of my graduating class.
Which movie could you watch on repeat?
Labyrinth with David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.
What would you have done as a career if ballet hadn’t come your way?
Travel journalist.
Have you ever had an embarrassing moment performance-wise?
As Rothbart in Swan Lake I was meant to cover Odile as she went through a secret door in the set but in the show the dancer couldn’t find the door and when I ran away she was still knocking on the set looking for the opening.
When you have a day off, what’s your favourite way to spend it?
Trying a new restaurant with friends.
Where in the world would you like to see yourself
living some day?
São Paulo, Brazil.
Milk chocolate or dark?
Milk.
What’s your guilty pleasure song that’ll make you rock out no matter where you are?
You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall and Oats.
What was the last thing you changed your mind about?
Iced coffee or iced latte.
Thoughts on dating: inside the dance world, or out?
Only outside.
Do you have a celebrity crush?
Dan Levy
What cheers you up on an off day?
The sun.
Are there any costumes that you’ve either danced in or seen that strike you as amazing or memorable?
I once had to wear a cage of black silk flowers on my head that was worth 2000€.
What is your fashion style outside of work?
Monotone.
What is your favorite memory of being onstage?
Bringing on the conductor at the end of the ballet after my first title role.
Favorite Ballet?
Lady of the Camellias by John Neumeier.
Words of advice for young dancers?
Don’t take everyone’s advice.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken, either personally or in your career?
Quitting my job and moving back to Canada.
What are the top items on your bucket list?
Travel to South Africa and Bali.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Just do it.
Do you have any items you can’t live without when you travel?
Music.
Read Brent’s bio, https://national.ballet.ca/Meet/Dancers/2nd-Soloists/Brent-Parolin
See Brent onstage with The National Ballet of Canada during the 2017/18 season, national.ballet.ca
